On Tuesday, Volquez will make his Major League debut in a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox. The Rangers have not determined which game he will start. Joaquin Benoit is also scheduled to start one of the two games.
"Things are different in this situation, but I've always wanted to keep the ace in the hole [for the second game]," Rangers manager Showalter said of starting Volquez in the first game. "You go with what you consider your best in the first game, and what if it doesn't work out? You also think about who can handle sitting around better. There are a lot of variables there."
Volquez went 1-5 with a 4.14 ERA in 58 2/3 innings at Double-A Frisco. He started the season with the Class A Bakersfield Blaze, going 5-4 with a 4.19 ERA. While on rehab for a strained oblique, Volquez pitched two scoreless innings for the Arizona Rangers.
"He's a young pitcher," Showalter said. "He's going to have hiccups, but stuff-wise he has been very impressive. He's going to give up some hits here. I bet he walks somebody and I bet he strikes somebody out."